The demands of the protesting workers from the troubled steel mill "Kremikovtzi' has received the support of the Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister, Petar Dimitrov.

The news was announced by Vasil Yanachkov, from the "Metalici" (Steel Workers) trade union, cited by Darik radio. Yanachkov spoke upon conclusion of his meeting with the Economy Minister.

Workers at Bulgaria's indebted steelmaker Kremikovtzi hit the streets once again Monday over unpaid salaries and the lack of an investor in the ailing plant, piling pressure on the coalition ahead of the summer elections.

The workers demand full investigation of the dealings of the plant since its privatization, agreements for compensation programs for all of the mill's employees, and an emergency meeting with the Brazilian steel maker CSN, the sole bidder for the plant, to finalize the sale of "Kremikovtzi".

Yanachkov said that Petar Dimitrov had expressed hope the results from negotiations with CSN would become known in the very near future. The trade union functionary further pointed out that discharge of workers, while negotiations are ongoing, was unacceptable.

Trade unions further insist on alternative plans for the mill's rescue, should the government fail to find a buyer by the end of March.

The rally hampered traffic in downtown Sofia on Monday, bringing it to a halt near the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Rakovski Street and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard.

The rally has now moved to the Ministries' Council building where the protesting workers submitted a declaration. Yanachkov informed that the meeting with Lyudmil Stoynev, Economic Advisor of PM Stanishev, failed to yield a final decision and would be held once again next week.

The demonstrators will end the protests in front of the building of the Parliament. There is another rally planned for Tuesday, March 10.

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